Raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatus which has a support surface and a bracket. The bracket comprises a mounting portion, a first leg connected to the mounting portion, a second leg connected to the first leg, and a third leg connected to the second leg. The mounting portion and the first, second, and third legs are configured so as to define a J-shaped structure. The bracket is attached to the support surface by a mounting device. A panel for a panel system which has five surfaces. The panel has a first surface, a second surface connected to the first surface, and a third surface connected to the second surface. Furthermore, the panel has a fourth surface connected to the third surface and a fifth surface connected to the fourth surface. The panel is configured such that the first and second surfaces are mirror images of the fourth and fifth surfaces with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the third surface. In addition, the first surface defines an acute angle with respect to the plane. An improved panel system having a support surface, a C-shaped bracket mounted to the support surface and a cover attached to the C-shaped bracket.

This application is a continuation of application No. 07/971,355, filedNov. 4, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,318.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a raceway cable retention andaccommodation apparatus having the dual functions of providing a supportfor a panel and providing a support for cables located behind the panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular panel system which iseasily constructed and allows for easy installation of the wiringnecessary in an office or hospital-like environment. It is well known toemploy modular wall systems in offices and hospitals to createindividual work stations which present a sense of privacy for thoseworking at the station, while at the same time the wall system providesa more open working atmosphere. One essential attribute of any modularwall system is the ability to be positioned in a myriad of differentconfigurations so as to be adaptable to the different functions of theoffice or hospital and adaptable to various permanent features alreadypresent in the office or hospital. An example of such a modular wallsystem is U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,539, assigned to Herman Miller, Inc.

Modular wall systems were developed in which internal conduits wereprovided in the walls. In some embodiments, the internal conduits wereformed by forming a recess in the wall and attaching brackets inside therecess. The brackets were used to support a panel that formed anexterior part of the modular wall. Wiring and such were then placed inthe internal conduit defined by the recess, brackets, and the panel.

One disadvantage of such prior modular wall systems is that they have alimited capacity in the amount of wiring that they can accommodate.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention is to provide amodular wall system which provides for increased capacity for wiringpresent in the modular wall.

Another object of the present invention to provide a simple bracketingsystem to improve cost and decrease the time of installation of wiringand the panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are accomplished in the present invention which isdirected to a raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatus whichhas a support surface and a bracket to support a cover. In oneembodiment of the invention, the raceway cable retention andaccommodation apparatus comprises a cover extending along a firstdirection. The cover is attached to a C-shaped bracket connected to asupport surface.

The above-described raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatusprovides a simple bracket which leads to improved attachment of a coverto a modular wall system. Furthermore, the raceway cable retention andaccommodation apparatus defines an inner conduit space which providesfor improved capacity for retaining cables.

In another aspect of the present invention, a bracket comprises amounting portion, a first leg connected to the mounting portion, asecond leg connected to the first leg, and a third leg connected to thesecond leg. The mounting portion and the first, second, and third legsare configured so as to define a J-shaped structure. The J-shapedbracket is attached to the support surface by a mounting device.

The above-described mounted bracket allows for improved ease inattaching a cover in a snap-on fashion. The mounted bracket allows forincreased cable capacity and allow for "laying-in" cable.

Another aspect of the invention is a panel for a panel system which hasfive lateral surfaces angled with respect to each other. The panel has afirst surface, a second surface connected to the first surface, and athird surface connected to the second surface. Furthermore, the panelhas a fourth surface connected to the third surface and a fifth surfaceconnected to the fourth surface. The panel is configured such that thefirst and second surfaces are mirror images of the fourth and fifthsurfaces with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the thirdsurface. In addition, the first surface defines an acute angle withrespect to the plane.

The above-described panel provides for easy snap-on installation to abracket. The panel also allows for defining an inner conduit which hasincreased capacity for retaining cables. The panel also has anaesthetically pleasing look.

Another aspect of the present invention is an improved panel system. Theimproved panel system has a first panel and first and second postsspaced from each other. The first and second posts are connected to eachother by a connection piece. A C-shaped bracket is mounted to theconnection piece and the panel is attached to the C-shaped bracket.

The above-described panel system provides for improved modification inthe configuration of the system in response to customized requirementsin the field.

The above-described panel system provides a panel which juts out beyonda plane containing adjoining panels resulting in increased cablecapacity and improved ease in positioning cables in the wall whencompared with the planar adjoining panels.

The above-described panel system provides for unobstructed horizontalwire and cable routing capability, which is called "laying-in" in theart.

The above-described panel system provides for selectable vertical wireand cable ingress and egress. The panel system also provides logicalinterface capability with power and signal cable entry from floors,walls and from power poles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a panel system employing an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a section of the panel system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of the panel system of FIG. 2 with cables present;

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of a corner section of the panelsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a view of a first embodiment of a bracket used in the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a view of a second embodiment of a bracket used in thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of a panel used in the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 5 with the panel of FIG. 6attached thereto;

FIGS. 7C-E illustrate the FIG. 7B embodiment of the present inventionwith various cables contained therein;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a second embodiment of a bracket used in thepresent invention;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a third embodiment of a bracket used in thepresent invention; and

FIG. 9B is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a cap used in the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a side view of the cap of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a second embodiment of a retention panel usedin the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the retention panel of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a side view of the retention panel of FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 12 is a top cross-section view of an extrusion used in theembodiment of FIGS. 1, 9A-9B, and 11A-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is best understood upon viewing a preferredembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 1 a modular wall panelsystem 2 is illustrated comprising a plurality of walls 4 which arepositioned in a desired arrangement. Each wall comprises a bottom panel6, retention panel 8 located above bottom panel 6, and top panels 10located above the retention panel 8. Section A illustrates an opening inwhich no top panels 10 are present and a retention panel 8 is supportedby vertical aluminum extrusions 12. Of course the number of bottompanels 6 located below retention panel 8 and the number of top panels 10located above retention panel 8 may vary depending on the desiredappearance of the wall panel system and the wiring needs of the room. Itis contemplated to use more than one retention panel 8 on a wall 4 toallow for an increased cable handling capacity.

One aspect of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2, wherein asection B of the wall panel system 2 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. Section Billustrates an opening in which no top panels 10 are present forillustrative purposes. Section B of FIG. 2 also has retention panel 8removed so as to expose the inner parts of a raceway cable retention andaccommodation apparatus denoted generally as 14. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatuscomprises C-shaped brackets 16 which are attached or mounted to asupport surface 18, wherein support surface 18 is located on a post 20or a connection piece such as an adjustable expansion bar 22. Each endof the adjustable expansion bar 22 is attached to a post 20 by wellknown means such as nuts and bolts. In one embodiment, the expansion bar22 comprises two pieces slidable with respect to each other so as to beadjustable in length. Such an expansion bar 22 can be adjusted to havelengths of 36", 42", or 48", but other lengths are also possibledepending on the desired wall length. In another embodiment theconnection piece may be fixed in length, but with variable lengths ofbar 22 made available. Each of the brackets 16 have a mounting portion24 allowing the brackets 16 to be attached to the adjustable expansionbar 22 or posts 20 by such well known mounting devices as nuts and bolts26 and the like. Once the brackets 16 are attached to the expansion bar22 and posts 20, cables 28 are strung through brackets 16 as seen inFIG. 3. A C-shaped retention panel 8 is then attached to the brackets 16in a snap-on manner to produce the wall panel system of FIG. 1. Panel 8has a flexible filler strip 30 attached to each end thereof. It iscontemplated that the cable retention and accommodation apparatus isdesigned to be an integral component of existing wall panel systems,such as the Etho-Space wall panel system described in U.S. Pat. No.5,038,539 assigned to Herman Miller, Inc. and manufactured and availablefrom Milcare, Inc., a Herman Miller Company. It is further contemplatedthat the cable retention and accommodation apparatus is adapted to otherconfigurations besides the straight line 180° passage of FIGS. 1-3, suchas (1) inside 90° corners (See FIG. 4); (2) inside 135° corners; and (3)through T-connections required for panel support.

The wall panel system of FIG. 1 comprises a rectangular top panel 10 anda rectangular bottom panel 6 which are adjacent to retention panel 8.Top panel 10 and bottom panel 6 are aligned with each other and areparallel to and offset from surface 84 of retention panel 8 such thatthe thickness of panels 6 and 10 is different from retention panel 8.Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7C-E, and 9B, an appealingappearance is accomplished by having the edges 32 and 34 of panels 6 and10, respectively, be parallel with and adjoining corresponding edges 36and 38 of retention panel 8 formed between surfaces 80 and 82 andbetween surfaces 86 and 88, respectively.

Besides allowing for multiple walls 4 to be connected in a linear manneras shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cable retention and accommodation apparatus16 allows for the walls 4 to be configured to form a corner 40 as shownin FIG. 4. Corner 40 is formed by two posts 20 in which their supportsurfaces 18 for brackets 16 are perpendicular with respect to eachother. Each post 20 has a bracket 16 attached to the support surface 18and where each bracket 16 has a corner retention panel 42 attachedthereto in a snap-on fashion. Corner retention panels 42 have the sameshape as the retention panels 8 of FIGS. 2 and 3 up to the brackets 16.However, the top surface 44 and the bottom surface (not shown) of eachcorner panel 42 have an extension 46 extending beyond the bracket 16.The other three surfaces of the corner panels 42 are mitred as shown inFIG. 4. The posts 20 are attached to each other by a curved piece 48 andby a draw tube assembly as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,539. As seenin FIG. 4, once the two corner panels 42 are snapped into place theyform an inner corner and, in addition, their flexible filler strips 30overlap at 50. The panels 42 are mitred at the appropriate angle forproducing either a 90° or 135° corner. A cable 28 is threaded throughthe brackets 16 and around the corner. Furthermore, rear panels 52 maybe attached to the other sides of posts 20 and curved piece 48. Rearpanels 52 comprise straight sections and a curved section. The curvedsection is adjacent to curved piece 48. Rear panels 52 have a C-shapedcross-section similar to panels 42, as shown in FIG. 6. The straightsections of rear panels 52 are attached by C-shaped brackets (not shown)attached to post 20 in a manner similar to that of the C-shaped brackets16 which attached panels 42. The curved section of rear panels 52 ispreferably attached to two C-shaped brackets attached to each end ofcurved section 48. Once the straight and curve sections of rear panels52 are attached to the C-shaped brackets, flexible filler stripsoverlap. Thus, a cable retention panel system may be formed for outsidecorners as well as inside corners. Though the above example illustratesa 90° corner other configurations of the cable retention panel systemare contemplated, such as a 135° corner.

FIG. 5A illustrates a first embodiment of the bracket 16 used in thewall panel system of FIGS. 1-4, 7A-E, 8A-B, 9A-B, 10A-B, and 11A-C.Bracket 16 is preferably made of 0.065 (16 gauge) sheet metal, but othermaterials having sufficient strength to support the retention panel andthe cables. Bracket 16 comprises three elements, a mounting portion 24and two J-shaped structures 54. J-shaped structures are preferably madeof 0.033 spring steel. Mounting portion 24 preferably is rectangular andhas a plurality of holes for mounting the bracket 16 to a supportsurface 18. Each J-shaped structure has four planar legs 56, 58, 60, and62 connected to each other. Each J-shaped structure 54 has leg 56 placedparallel to and attached to the mounting portion 24 in a well known waysuch as spot welding to form a C-shaped bracket.

FIG. 5B illustrates a second embodiment of the bracket 16 which can alsobe used in the wall panel system of FIGS. 1-4, 7A-E, 8A-B, 9A-B, 10A-B,and 11A-C. The particulars of the second embodiment of the bracket 16are the same as those for the first embodiment of FIG. 5A describedabove, however, the second embodiment employs a pivoting blockingelement 64. Blocking element 64 retains wires in place so none fall outwhen panel 8 is not attached to the C-shaped bracket. Blocking element64 is made of 0.047 steel. Blocking element 64 has a width ofapproximately 1.25" and a length of approximately 2.80". At a bottom endof blocking element 64 a tab 66 is formed which is parallel theremaining portion 68 of the blocking element 64. Tab 66 has a length ofapproximately 0.430" and is displaced from the plane of portion 68 byapproximately 0.063". The top end of blocking element 64 has a radius ofcurvature of approximately 0.625" and a hole 70 which is aligned with acorresponding hole 72 in top leg 62. Hole 72 is located approximately0.250" from the free end of leg 62. Blocking element 64 is pivotallyattached to top leg 62 via rivet 74. The blocking element 64 is able torotate from an open position exposing the gap between legs 62 to aclosed position closing the same gap. In the open position, one is ableto insert cables 28 through the C-brackets. In the closed position, theblocking element 64 is pivoted so that tab 66 fits behind bottom leg 62,thus, ensuring cables 28 are retained between the brackets 16 whileretention panel 8 is snapped into place.

Mounting portion 24 may have several preferred embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 7A, and 8A, a first embodiment of the mounting portion 24comprises a rectangular sheet, preferably made of 0.065 (16 gauge) sheetmetal. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular sheet has a width ofapproximately 2.0" and a length of approximately 6.375". Furthermore,the rectangular sheet has a plurality of holes and/or slots to havemounting devices 26 inserted therein. It is preferred that there are apair of holes aligned with each other so as to be parallel to alength-wise edge of the rectangular sheet.

The pair of holes are separated by approximately 1.0" and areapproximately 0.5" from the length-wise edge and each of the holes is2.687" from a width-wise edge closest thereto. The pair of holes will bealigned with the opening of the C-shaped bracket 16. Furthermore, themounting portion 24 comprises another pair of holes and a slot which arealigned with each other so as to be parallel to a second length-wiseedge of the rectangular sheet. The pair of holes are separated byapproximately 3.625" and are approximately 0.5" from the length-wiseedge and each of the holes is 1.375" from a width-wise edge closestthereto. The slot is located between the second pair of holes andseparated from each hole by approximately 1.75". The second pair ofholes and the slot will be offset from the opening of the C-shapedbracket 16.

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate a second embodiment of the mounting portion 24which is essentially the same rectangular sheet described previously forthe first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the firstembodiment by having a L-shape in which the sheet is bent at a rightangle approximately 0.75" from the length-wise edge closest the slot.Thus, an L-shaped mounting portion is formed having a length ofapproximately 6.375" and one rectangular section having a width ofapproximately 1.25" and another rectangular section perpendicular to theother section and having a width of approximately 0.75". The mountingportion 24 preferably has holes configured as in the first embodimentwith the only variation being that the slot is eliminated. It ispreferred that #10×3/4" screws and 0.218" diameter holes and slots areused for mounting the bracket 16 in the various embodiments describedabove except for the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-B. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9A-B, #10-24 machine screws are used.

Once each J-shaped structure 54 is interconnected to the mountingportion 24 the configuration of the J-shaped structure 54 is easilydescribed. The four legs of a J-shaped structure are mirror images oftheir respective legs on the other J-shaped structure with respect to aplane perpendicular to and bisecting the length of the mounting portion24. Legs 58 form an angle of approximately 30° with respect to theplane. Legs 60 form an angle of approximately 45° with respect to theplane. Legs 62 are parallel to legs 56, the support surface 18 and themounting portion 24.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness and width for leg 56 isapproximately 0.033" and 1.25", respectively. The thickness and widthfor legs 58, 60, and 62 is approximately 0.033" and 1.25", respectively.The length of each of legs 56 is approximately 2.0". The length of eachof legs 58 is approximately 0.812". The length of each of legs 60 isapproximately 1.562". The length of each of legs 62 is approximately1.687" and the separation between the legs 62 is approximately 1.812".Though the above dimensions and angles are preferred it should beapparent that other dimensions and angles are contemplated depending onthe desired appearance and cable capacity.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and B, bracket 16 may be attached to post 20 byinserting mounting devices 26, such as sheet metal screws, into holespresent in the mounting portion 24 offset from the legs and which arealigned with corresponding holes in the post 20. In another embodiment,a bracket 16 may be attached to an expansion bar 22 as shown in FIGS. 8Aand B. Screws are inserted into holes present in the mounting portion 24aligned with the legs and which are aligned with corresponding holes inthe expansion bar 22.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-B, bracket 16 is attached tothe vertical extrusions 12 of FIG. 1. Bracket 16 has an L-shapedmounting portion 24 which has a section perpendicular to legs 62. Apreferred embodiment of the L-shaped mounting portion was describedpreviously. The bracket 16 is preferably is attached to a rectangularsection having a width of 1.25" such that the bracket 16 is in contactwith the other perpendicular section. As seen in FIG. 12 verticalextrusions 12 define a cavity space wherein cover posts 20 are located.Vertical extrusions 12 have slots 75 in which rectangular nuts 76 areable to slide down into a mating position. The slots 75 face in adirection perpendicular to the side in which the covers 8 face. Nuts 76may be formed as separate pieces or formed by two tapped holes in asingle piece which slides in the slot. Machine screws 78 are insertedinto holes present in the mounting portion 24 and tightened intorectangular nuts 76 which are aligned with the holes.

Once the C-shaped brackets 16 are attached to the support surfaces 18,one or more cables 28 are strung through the brackets 16 so as to becontained in each J-shaped structure and the C-shaped bracket. Thenretention panel 8 engages legs 58, 60, and 62 so as to be attached tobrackets 16 in a snap-on manner.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the retention panel 8.Retention panel has five planar and rectangular surfaces 80, 82, 84, 86,and 88 connected to each other. Surfaces 80 and 88 are mirror images ofeach other, as well as surfaces 82 and 86, with respect to a horizontalplane perpendicular to and bisecting along the length surface 84.Surface 80 is angled downward with respect to the horizontal plane andsurface 88 is angled upward with respect to the horizontal plane so thateach form an acute angle of approximately 30° with respect to thehorizontal plane. Surfaces 82 and 86 each form an angle of approximately45° with respect to the plane. Surfaces 80 and 82, as well as surfaces86 and 88, subtend an angle of approximately 105°. Surface 84 isparallel to legs 56, the support surface 18 and the mounting portion 24when attached to brackets 16 in a snap-on manner. Thus, retention panel8 is preferably C-shaped.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 are madeof approximately 0.100" extruded plastic having a desired color. Thelength of each of the surfaces varies depending on the desired length ofthe wall employing the panel. For the retention panel shown in FIG. 6,the width of rectangular surfaces 80 and 88 is approximately 0.5". Thewidth of rectangular surfaces 82 and 86 is approximately 1.562". Thewidth of rectangular surface 84 is approximately 5.188". Though theabove dimensions and angles are preferred it should be apparent thatother dimensions and angles are contemplated depending on the desiredappearance and cable capacity.

Another preferred embodiment of retention panel 8 is illustrated inFIGS. 11A-C. The retention panel 8 of FIGS. 11A-C is preferably attachedby the brackets 16 to the vertical extrusions 12 of FIG. 1. The secondembodiment of retention panel 8 is exactly the same as the retentionpanel 8 described previously regarding FIGS. 2 and 6, except for a fewdifferences. One difference is that surfaces 80 (not shown) and 88contain notched out areas 90 and support areas 92. For retention panelshaving lengths of approximately 30" or 48", notched areas 90 have alength of approximately 3.25" and the length of the support area 92 isapproximately 23.5" or approximately 41.5", respectively. Thenotched-areas 90 preferably have a width of approximately 0.5". As seenin FIGS. 11B-C, a support piece 94 is attached to a center section 90located in the interior portion of the retention panel at surface 88 andapproximately 1.75" from each end of the support area 92. Support piece94 preferably is made of 18 gauge sheet metal and is L-shaped, whereineach leg of the L-shaped piece is approximately 0.5" wide andapproximately 19" or approximately 37" long, respectively. The supportpiece is preferably attached to retention panel 8 by rivets 96 or otherwell known attachment devices.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-B, an end cap 98 is inserted to fit snugly in theopen ends of retention panel 8 present at an end wall. Cap 98 presentsan appealing appearance to the modular wall panel system and preventsaccess to the cables therein. Cap 98 preferably is made of 18 gaugesteel. Cap 98 comprises in one embodiment a rectangular-like mountingsection 100 with a length-wise edge connected to a second section 102.Section 100 preferably has a width of approximately 1.5" and a length ofapproximately 6.375". Section 100 has a length-wise edge unattached tosection 102 that has three indentations 104, 106, and 108. Indentations104 and 108 are located approximately 1.375" from each correspondingwidth-wise edge of section 8 and have a depth of approximately 0.266"and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.109". Indentation 106 isslot-like in shape having a width of approximately 0.125" and a radiusof curvature for the inner corners of approximately 0.109". As seen inFIG. 10B, section 102 is a planar sheet having a shape approximately thesame as the cross-sectional shape defined by retention panel 8 andbrackets 16. Section 102 has a width of approximately 2.0" and a lengthof approximately 7.562" as measured from corners 104.

Preferably, cap 98 is placed into position after bracket 16 has beenmounted. Indentations 104, 106, and 108 engage the sheet screws whichare inserted into the offset pair of holes and slot of the mountingportion 24. Next the screws are tightened so as to hold the bracket 16and cap 98 into place. Then retention panel 8 is snapped into place ontobracket 16 and section 102. Thus, the cable retention space is sealedoff by section 102.

As shown in FIGS. 7C-E, when the retention panel 8 is snapped into placeonto brackets 16 there is formed a cable retention space with improvedcable capacity. In the embodiment of FIG. 7C, it is shown that the cableretention space created is capable of containing ten 3/4" diameterflexible conduit cables. In the embodiment of FIG. 7D, it is shown thatthe same cable retention space of FIG. 7C is capable of containingsixteen 1/2" diameter flexible conduit cables. Furthermore, theembodiment of FIG. 7E, illustrates that when 1/2" diameter flexiblecables are bundled together the cable retention space is cable ofcontaining thirty 1/2" flexible conduit cables (3 bundles eachcontaining 10 1/2" cables) and five 3/4" diameter flexible conduitcables.

While the invention has been described with relation to certainpresently preferred embodiments, those with skill in this art willrecognize other modifications of the invention which will still fallwithin the scope of the invention, as expressed in the accompanyingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A panel system, comprising:a cover extending along a firstdirection; a first post; a second post spaced from said first post; aconnection piece, wherein said connection piece is connected to saidfirst post and said second post; and a C-shaped bracket, wherein saidC-shaped bracket is mounted to said connection piece and said cover isattached to said C-shaped bracket, wherein said C-shaped bracketcomprises a blocking element attached thereto and having a structure topivot about an axis perpendicular to said attached cover so as to covera gap defined by said C-shaped bracket.
 2. The panel system of claim 1,wherein said cover is C-shaped.
 3. The panel system of claim 1, whereinsaid cover is attached to said bracket in a snap-on manner.
 4. The panelsystem of claim 1, comprising a panel extending along said firstdirection and connected to said first post and said second post.
 5. Thepanel system of claim 4, wherein said cover juts beyond a plane definedby said panel.
 6. The panel system of claim 1, comprising a pivotingelement attached to said C-shaped bracket and said blocking element toenable said blocking element to pivot.
 7. A panel for a panel system,comprising:a first surface extending along a horizontal direction; asecond surface extending along said horizontal direction and connectedto said first surface; a third surface extending along said horizontaldirection and connected to said second surface; a fourth surfaceextending along said horizontal direction and connected to said thirdsurface; a fifth surface extending along said horizontal direction andconnected to said fourth surface, wherein said first and second surfacesare mirror images of said fourth and fifth surfaces with respect to aplane which is perpendicular to said third surface; and wherein saidfirst surface defines an acute angle of approximately 30° with respectto said plane.
 8. The panel of claim 7, wherein said second surfacedefines an angle of approximately 45° with respect to said plane.
 9. Thepanel of claim 7, wherein said first surface and said second surfacesubtend an angle of approximately 105°.
 10. A panel system, comprising:afirst post; a second post spaced from said first post; a first panelattached to said first and second posts and having a planar face; asecond panel attached to said first and second posts and having a planarface, said planar faces of said first and second panels lying along acommon plane; and a wire retention cover attached to said first andsecond posts so that said wire retention cover is positioned between andadjacent to said first and second panels, said wire retention coverjutting along a first direction from said common plane so as to define aspace to provide increased capacity for containing wiring.
 11. The panelsystem of claim 10, comprising a first C-shaped bracket to attach saidcable retention cover to said first post, said first C-shaped bracketattached to said first post and having a gap offset from said commonplane along said first direction; and a second C-shaped bracket toattach said wire retention cover to said second post, said secondC-shaped bracket attached to said second post and having a gap offsetfrom said common plane along said first direction.
 12. A panel system,comprising:a first post extending along a vertical direction; a secondpost extending along said vertical direction and spaced from said firstpost; a wire retention cover attached to said first and second posts; aconnection piece, wherein said connection piece is connected to saidfirst post and said second post; and a C-shaped bracket defining avertical gap, wherein said C-shaped bracket is mounted to saidconnection piece and said cable retention cover is attached to saidC-shaped bracket so that the attached cover defines a space to provideincreased capacity for containing wiring.
 13. A panel system,comprising:a cover extending along a first direction; a first post; anda C-shaped bracket, wherein said C-shaped bracket is mounted to saidfirst post and said cover is attached to said C-shaped bracket, whereinsaid C-shaped bracket comprises a blocking element attached thereto andhaving a structure to pivot about an axis perpendicular to said attachedcover so as to cover a gap defined by said C-shaped bracket.
 14. Thepanel system of claim 13, comprising:a second post spaced from saidfirst post; and a second C-shaped bracket, wherein said second C-shapedbracket is mounted to said second post and said cover is attached tosaid C-shaped bracket.
 15. The panel system of claim 14, comprising apanel extending along said first direction and attached to said firstpost and said second post.
 16. The panel system of claim 15, whereinsaid cover juts beyond a plane defined by said panel.
 17. The panelsystem of claim 13, wherein said cover is C-shaped.
 18. The panel systemof claim 13, wherein said cover is attached to said bracket in a snap-onmanner.
 19. The panel system of claim 13, comprising a pivoting elementattached to said C-shaped bracket and said blocking element to enablesaid blocking element to pivot.
 20. A panel system, comprising:a firstpost; a first panel attached to said first post and having a planarface; a second panel attached to said first post and having a planarface, said planar faces of said first and second panels lying along acommon plane; and a wire retention cover attached to said first post sothat said wire retention cover is positioned between and adjacent tosaid first and second panels, said wire retention cover jutting along afirst direction from said common plane so as to define a space toprovide increased capacity for wiring.
 21. The panel system of claim 20,comprising a first C-shaped bracket to attach said cable retention coverto said first post, said first C-shaped bracket attached to said firstpost and having a gap offset from said common plane along said firstdirection.
 22. A panel system, comprising:a first post extending along avertical direction; a wire retention cover attached to said first post;and a C-shaped bracket defining a vertical gap, wherein said C-shapedbracket is mounted to said first post and said cover is attached to saidC-shaped bracket so that the attached cover defines a space to provideincreased capacity for containing wiring.